Promoting mental health help-seeking in older adults
Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words: A Participatory Approach to Codesign Descriptive and Pictorial Social Norm Nudges and a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) to Examine Their Effectiveness in Improving Mental Health Help-seeking Intention
This study is testing if sending daily messages or images can encourage older adults to seek help for their mental health better than regular education about mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 540 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06707935 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines how different types of nudges, specifically descriptive and pictorial social norm nudges, can influence the intention of older adults to seek mental health help. Conducted as a three-arm randomized controlled trial, it involves 540 participants aged 60 and above who will receive daily messages or images over two weeks. The effectiveness of these nudges will be compared to traditional mental health education, with outcomes measured at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 12-week follow-up. The study aims to enhance understanding of behavioral influences on mental health help-seeking in older populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 60 years and above who can read Chinese and have access to a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental disorders, cognitive impairments, or imminent suicidal risk may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the rates of mental health help-seeking among older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using nudges to influence health behaviors, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 60 years or above at the time of the baseline assessment * have no severe mental disorder or cognitive impairment * have no severe visual impairment * be able to read Chinese * have a smartphone with an instant communication application to receive text and images Exclusion Criteria: * have severe difficulty in reading and communication * show imminent suicidal risk at any stage of the study
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tianyin Liu, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Tianyin Liu, PhD
- Email: tianliu@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 2766
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.